GOSHEN >> The public hearing discussing the proposal to build a 2,417 square foot gas station and convenience store on 59 Torrington Road was adjourned Tuesday night, pending a report by the town's Inland Wetland Commission.

The plan met opposition from a few residents, mostly due to the design of the building, which in one resident's opinion, would threaten "the general quaintness of the village of Goshen."

Project manager Rod Cameron represented the applicant, Village Market Gas & Convenience LLC. Cameron presented the site plan, floor plan and landscape plan to the public, as well as some samples of the materials to be used for the building itself. The gas station and convenience store would have six parking spots, two gas pumps and a restroom.

Cameron said that they are currently in contact with the state Department of Transportation requesting approval for widening the entrance to allow for the turning motion of the fuel truck. There is an existing 100 foot wide utility easement on site, he said.

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The two principle wetlands on site are self-contained, Cameron said.

The wetlands commission met to discuss the proposal on Feb. 7, but didn't make a decision on it. The discussion was continued to March 7, when Cameron plans to present further information about how drainage will be handled at the site.

Without this new building, the nearest gas station, according to Google Maps, is almost ten minutes outside of Goshen.

"I'm in favor of this project," Goshen resident Mark Harris said. "Anything that can make more services and products available in town without having to leave I'm in favor of."

The signage out front would need to be readjusted from 18 feet to 12 feet or under, according to the Planning and Zoning Commission. A few other small requests were made by the board, but short of the Inland/Wetlands review, not much else would need to be changed.

"The main piece that will be demolished will be the hardware store and then there's some minor structures that are going to be removed," Cameron said.

Three of Goshen's selectmen, including First Selectman Wilrose Duquette, were in attendance at the hearing.

"The three of us stand in support of this proposal," Duquette said. "We think it will be a good addition to the town."

Mark Greenberg, the owner of the plaza, previously told the Register Citizen that there has not been a gas station in the town in 20 years, and there hasn't been a food store in three or four years.

Still, the plan met some public opposition.

David Shopis, who owns a residence next door to the proposed site said he isn't so much against the idea in itself as he is in the current layout of the building.

The large, brightly lit canopy that will be out front was an especially pertinent issue for Shopis.

"When you drive down the road, coming towards the rotary, coming over the hill you see the trees are in bloom, you see the steeple lit up in the distance from the church," he said. "When you come over that hill, you're going to be overwhelmed by a giant canopy that's gonna be lit up."

Shopis asked about reorganizing the building so that residents won't be in such shock coming over the hill to see it.

"This could be a win-win situation for not only the developer but for the town of Goshen," he said.